Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography
Dress: Comme Toi (similar) | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Bracelet: J.Crew (similar) | Rings: Gorjana (similar here & here) | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs| Shoes: Cobb Hill (similar) |Lipstick: Bite Beauty (color Moka)
On Tuesday I shared what I learned in my first year of blogging. Today I am covering what I’ve accomplished along with my plans for the future.
Accomplishments
- Finding a Photographer For the majority of the year, my husband took my outfit photos. Recently I decided to step it up a notch and hire someone. My husband was doing an awesome job, but he wasn’t really feeling it and sometimes it was a struggle to coordinate a time to get photos in. It was time to hire a professional. I started working with Michelle a few months back, and I am so glad I did. She is awesome to work with and is amazingly talented.
- Site Upgrade Lace & Pearls recently upgraded to a self-hosted site. Migrating the site was very time consuming and took about a month to complete. Lucky for me, my husband created a test site so I was able to keep the live site active while I worked on the new one. I got the theme from 17th Avenue. This site has the sweetest templates. I highly recommend it.
- Blogger Events I attended my first blogger/fashion event last month and it was a complete whirlwind to connect with bloggers in person. I found comfort in our similarities (not telling our peers that we blog or how people don’t understand what we do as bloggers). Madeleine, who I met at the Fashion First event wrote this post on things bloggers are tired of hearing. It’s hilarious but unfortunately true for some.
What’s Next:
- Product Development I am currently focusing on defining my niche and trying to come up with a product that I can develop for my brand.
- Photography/Editing Photos I need to master Photoshop stat! In all seriousness though, it seems like everyone and their dog is an awesome photographer. It is time for me to step up my game and learn how to use our DSLR and Photoshop.
- Continued Learning In addition to photography, I am also taking some eCourses on blogging and developing a business. I’m excited to take this site to the next level after I implement what I learn.
- Blogger Conference I would love to attend a blogger conference next year, either Simply Stylist or Alt Summit. I think it would be an awesome opportunity to network and continue learning.
Lace & Pearls would not be what it is without all of the love and support from you guys. So I felt it was only appropriate to include a list of thank yous.
Thank Yous
- Mom You’re my biggest supporter since day one. You have read every post and have left a comment on the majority of them. Thank you for always being present not just with blogging but also in life.
- Jason (the backbone of this blog) You have endured everything throughout this process and have worn multiple hats (photographer, editor, web developer). Lace & Pearls would not be what it is without your hard work and willingness to help. You’re unbelievably patient and have taught me so much.
- Linda You are the second person to subscribe to my blog via email (my mom was the first), and though we have never met I am grateful to have your support throughout this journey. I remember being tickled when you left a comment, it might have been the first comment that I received that wasn’t from my mom. When I told my mom, she was like oh that’s my friend Linda. Thank Linda, you’re the best!
- Mil & Jules From South by Northwest. Your friendship is one of the best gifts that I have received since starting this blog. Not only are you two smart, beautiful, and funny, but also compassionate and supportive. I need more friends like you in my life. Love you both!
- Michelle For upping my photo game and capturing my personality in the best way. You’re an amazing photographer! I look forward to working with you more in the future.
- Everyone else There are so many people who I am grateful to have connected with. I would love to list everyone by name but don’t want to leave anyone out. So I am sending one big thank you to anyone who has read, commented, or engaged with me in some way. I read every comment and respond to each one. Many thanks to you all! Sending a big hug.
Shop the Post:
Wow great stuff. You accomplished a lot. Well done.
Thanks Stella! I appreciate. 😃
Wonderful! Photoshop isn’t difficult I bet you’ll be a pro in no time! Love these pictures, you’re so cute in them! <3
Thanks Jen! You’re so sweet. Thanks for the support.
Anytime! Good luck! 🙂
You are so sweet, Asa! It’s such a joy to work with you and build our relationship together over time. I look forward to many more shoots together! You have certainly learned and accomplished a lot in the past year, and the new site has a fabulous look. It has been fun to follow your blogging journey and to now be a little part of it!
What a lovely surprise! Thanks for reading and commenting on this post. I was thrilled to see your message. I look forward to working with you more in the future and getting to know you better.
Congratulations once more. Very well done.You look beautiful as always.
Thanks Mom. :*
Thanks for your thank you. it’s always a pleasure to support you in all you do.I am so proud of you and your accomplishments.Looking forward to more post.
Thanks so much Mom. I appreciate.
i’m so glad that you are stepping up your game! reading this post inspired me. i’m still unsure if i want to invest all my time in my own blog but im inspired by your dedication to yours . i want to thank you for supporting my blog too!! 🙂
Thanks Syah! I appreciate your encouragement and support. I am glad you found this post inspiring. I hope to do more post like this in the future. It’s a hard decision to invest time/money into blogging but as long as you enjoy it I think that what’s most important.
You’re welcome. I love reading your blog and seeing what you’re up to. Keep up the good work.
Asa!! I just squealed at my desk and now people are looking at me…you are such a sweetheart! Becoming friends with you has undoubtedly been one of the most fabulous perks of starting our blog. I’m looking forward to many more brunches, blogger events, and shopping excursions in our future <3 <3 <3
I need to step up my Photoshop game too (it's currently nonexistent) and take the plunge with a DSLR. And I had no idea you were considering product development! That's awesome. You'll have to tell me more soon 🙂
love, Mil
https://southbynorthwestblog.wordpress.com/
Lol Mil you’re so funny! I’m glad you had that reaction. So fun. Thank you for the kind words. I love hanging out with you both. I look forward to spending more time with you guys and coming to your house to be nosy/raid your closet. 🙂
You’re such a rock star at photography that a DSLR will only benefit you, although it will take time to learn how to shoot in manual. I need to learn this too, Jason is just now dabbling with this.
I am taking a lot of online courses and trying to determine my niche. I need to develop some type of product so I can continue to grow and invest in my blog without depleting my funds. It’s exciting to think about but super overwhelming.
Yes!! As long as I can raid your closet too of course 😉 And wow, I am so impressed (but not surprised) with all your online courses! You are in it to win it, girl. Let me know what your faves are in case there are any I need to know about, ok?
xo Mil
Of course! I wouldn’t have it any other way. 😀
Thanks Mil! I appreciate. I am so burnt out, but trying to learn new things daily. I’ll definitely keep you posted on my faves.
Congrats!! We certainly hope to see you at Simply Stylist :-).
Thanks so much Sarah! I hope I can attend a Simply Stylist event soon.
Asa, was so excited and happy to see your ‘thank you’ to me on your latest blog post. Totally did not deserve it. Sorry I haven’t replied lately. Life has been crazy and busy, but I always enjoy your site. Congratulations and wish you only the best!! Linda
Hey Linda. I am so glad that you saw my thank you note. You do deserve it and I am so glad to have your support. I totally understand life getting busy, but am glad that you were able to leave this comment. It really means a lot to me. Thank you for the best wishes. You’re so sweet.
Congrats on your achievements, very happy for you! You look lovely in the dress by the way :)!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Thanks Prudence! I appreciate the kind words.
Aw this is such a sweet post! You have had an amazing year and here’s to many more successful years! Btw that last photo of you is so so so cute!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Thanks Tina. Glad you enjoyed it.You’re so sweet.Thank you for the kind words.
Ha ha! That picture is so funny. I had to included it. Thanks for noticing. I look like I’m being attacked by a balloon. 🙂
cute dress
http://www.pinkqueen.com
Thank you!
I really enjoyed reading this, I’m happy you have made so much progress. A lot of what you mentioned, I need to get on top of- I am currently looking for a developer to migrate my site and I’m looking for a photographer. As you’ve noted the quality of photographs on blogs has really improved…have a good Sunday and here’s to the year ahead!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you found this post inspiring. That’s so good to hear. Thank you for your best wishes too. Good luck in finding a developer and photographer. I think both are worth investing in.
Congratulations!! Can hardly believe your blog is only one year old, you have such a beautiful professional one. Kudos!
Very inspiring article, and I wish you all the very best in your ongoing endeavors, Asa!
Aww, thank you Cara. Your sweet words made my day, seriously! ☺️😀😘
Thank you for your encouragement. I’m glad you found this post inspiring.
Happy blog anniversary! You’ve accomplished a lot in a year. Love your style and smile and I’m sure you’re going to have many more accomplishments.
http://www.doreensstylediary.com
Aww, thanks Doreen! Your words mean so much.
I have nominated you for the Sunshine award because I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed your posts and deep appreciation that you have been my regular reader. You are in no obligation to accept or repost the award, however if you do, I would love you to let me know so I can return to read your answers!
http://middleme.net/2015/10/29/the-sunshine-award/
Thanks for the nomination Kally and for the kind words! It is very thoughtful that you thought of me. You’re the best.
You’re most welcome. You certainly deserve it!